120+ Marine Octopus Tattoos – Designs & Meanings (2018)

Sea animals are generally unique and special. As such, they can be great options to apply as a tattoo. The octopus tattoo, also known as the squid tattoo is one of the best tattoo ideas. This tattoo design has been applied by many people, both in the ancient and the modern world.

History

There is a vast account on the history of the squid tattoo. It has a very rich history and it has been considered a very symbolic sea creature. First off, the Kraken was the first octopus that is believed to have existed. This is a creature that has led many people to use them in artworks and movies as well.

Originally, the Kraken was a giant octopus that used to attack the ships and other water vessels.

It is approximated that this squid measured about 60 feet. Many believed that the octopuses used to sink big boats and water vessels. They were mysterious creatures that lived in the sea and could reach anywhere with their tentacles.

The ancient world considered this creature as a symbol of regeneration, intelligence and ability to achieve more.

Meaning

The octopus is a unique creature that can be used in many ways. Some people apply it as a tattoo with different meanings. Some use it to symbolize the ability regrow or redevelop. This one can be used as a sign of encouragement, especially if a person lost something or lost their way in their life.

They can be used by a person to show that they are ready to take up any challenge. Some tattoos can be applied by a person to show that they are not afraid of losing something in their life. Rather, they may symbolize that the bearer is regrowing or redeveloping after they were crushed in a way in their life.

The ability of the octopus surviving tough condition can also be a way of showing that the bearer is ready for the challenges in life and that they can go through it all.

The 8 limbs of the squid are what gives it them the name octopus. The number 8 can be used in different situations. For instance, when 8 is turned on its sides, it will become the infinity symbol. So the octopus will also be used to symbolize infinity. It can be an infinity in different areas of a person’s life.

It could be an infinity in their love life, money making process. The number 8 can also be used to symbolize something sacred, which can be displayed by the octopus.

Some use the octopus design just for the fun part of it. It can be designed to look elegant, since it comes in different style and color. Other symbols of the octopus include focus, illusion, strategic, flexibility, magic, defense, diversity, potency, fertility, complexity and creativity.

When it comes to the placement, squid tattoos tend to be very categorical. They will be placed in different areas, but you will need to consider how they will appear. You can apply it on the lower back and the tentacles can be extended to wrap around the hips and reach to the spine.

The tattoo can also be placed on the shoulder and the tentacles will drip down across the chest and the arms.

Types of Octopus Tattoos

There are many selections and options of these tattoos and they will also come in different style and design. So ensure that you choose the right symbol to go along with the tattoo. Here is a look at the variations of these tattoos;

The Japanese squid tattoo.

Even though the octopus has been common in many cultures, the Japanese are one of the common cultures that highly value the sea animal. With the Japanese octopus, they come in many colors and they will integrate other Japanese elements like lilies.

These tattoos will also be detailed with other vibrant colors. The colors can be purple or blue and they help to give some aura to the tattoo. Every Japanese symbol or color has a meaning, so you will want to ensure that you clearly understand their meaning.

Cartoon octopus design.

There can be cartoon-like squid tattoos that can be applied, which can also be elegant. With the cartoon octopus design, they can be used to integrate a special human character. For instance, you can have such tattoos with eyes that resemble a human being.

Others will have an eye-patch or a hook. These tattoos might be used to bring elegance to the octopus and they can come in different colors. The cartoon tattoo can be applied along with other human elements to signify a particular personality.

Blue ringed octopus design.

You can have the tattoo of the blue ringed squid, which is one of the deadliest creatures of the sea. Their venom is known to be very lethal and can kill humans within minutes. The blue ringed squid tattoo may be used to show that a person is not to be messed with.

The blue ringed octopi is known to be small but lethal. For that, people may use it to send a message to the public that they are capable of doing more than the expected.

There are also other realistic tattoo designs that are applied by the lovers of nature. Though these tattoos can also be used to give out the real symbolism of the octopus.

In order to make the tattoo look elegant and have a more rational meaning, you will want to ensure that you choose the right color blend. You can find a tattoo artist to help you come up with the best design. Since it can be challenging to decide on the color blend, a tattooist will help you find the right colors.

Ensure that you choose the right place to apply the squid tattoo, in order to make it look elegant. With the squid tattoo, it will not necessarily need you to apply it where there is more skin. Rather, you can apply it anywhere, but the tentacles must spread easily.

Follow us

We are a team of enthusiasts and devoted tattoo lovers who wanted to bring all the beauty of inking art to artists and tattoo fans all over the world. Through the years, we have gathered so many pictures and stories that it became simply unreasonable to keep it all to ourselves. This is how Tattoo Journal appeared.